Let 2A + B and A + 2B be acute angles such that $\sin(2A + B) = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}$ and $\tan(A + 2B) = 1$. Find the value of $\cot(4A - 7B)$.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 10:26 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Given: $\sin(2A + B) = \dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}$ and $\tan(A + 2B) = 1$
From the standard table:
$$\sin 60° = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \Rightarrow 2A + B = 60° \quad \cdots(1)$$
$$\tan 45° = 1 \Rightarrow A + 2B = 45° \quad \cdots(2)$$
Solving (1) and (2):
From (1): $2A + B = 60°$
From (2): $A + 2B = 45°$
Multiply (2) by 2: $2A + 4B = 90°$
Subtract (1): $3B = 30° \Rightarrow B = 10°$
Substitute in (1): $2A + 10° = 60° \Rightarrow A = 25°$
Now, $4A - 7B = 4(25°) - 7(10°) = 100° - 70° = 30°$
$$\cot(4A - 7B) = \cot 30° = \sqrt{3}$$
Source: Chapter 8, Section 8.3 (Trigonometric Ratios of Specific Angles)
---
Explanation
- The key step is recognising standard values: $\sin 60° = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}$ and $\tan 45° = 1$ from the table, so you can directly equate the compound angles to 60° and 45° respectively.
- Solve the resulting pair of linear equations carefully — a common error is subtraction mistakes.
- Finally, substitute to find $4A - 7B$ and look up $\cot 30° = \sqrt{3}$ from the standard table.
- Examiners award marks for: correct identification of angles (1 mark), solving for A and B (1 mark), and final answer (1 mark).